BUSINESS

China Hits Nexperia With Export Curbs After Netherlands Freezes Assets

Published: Oct. 15, 2025 12:42 a.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Nexperia, formerly part of NXP Semiconductors NV, was fully acquired by Wingtech in 2020

China has imposed export restrictions on Dutch semiconductor maker Nexperia, days after the Netherlands froze the operations of the Chinese-owned company, escalating a multi-front battle over control of the strategic technology provider.

Nexperia, which is headquartered in the Netherlands and owned by China’s Wingtech Technology, said Tuesday it had been notified by China’s Ministry of Commerce that as of Oct. 4, its China-based subsidiaries and distributors are barred from exporting certain components and finished products made in the country. The company said it is in talks with Chinese authorities to seek exemptions from the restrictions.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

China imposed export restrictions on Nexperia after the Netherlands froze the Chinese-owned firm's operations, escalating technology tensions.
Nexperia's China-based subsidiaries are barred from exporting most products, impacting 80% of its output, as nearly half of its 2025 revenue comes from China.
Compounded by US and Dutch restrictions, Nexperia is now at the center of global supply chain and tech industry disruptions amid the US-China-EU standoff.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Nexperia: Nexperia, a Dutch semiconductor maker, is owned by China's Wingtech Technology. It is a major supplier of semiconductors for automakers and electronics firms, with customers including Bosch, Apple, Samsung, and Dell. Nexperia faces export restrictions from China (effective October 4) and a one-year freeze on operations from the Dutch government. Wingtech was added to the US Entity List in December 2024, impacting Nexperia's sourcing of US technologies.

Wingtech Technology: Wingtech Technology is a Chinese company that fully acquired Nexperia in 2020. Originally a mobile phone design and manufacturing firm, Wingtech has shifted its focus to semiconductors, with Nexperia as its flagship asset. The company was added to the US Commerce Department's Entity List in December 2024. Wingtech's shares hit the 10% daily limit on October 14, closing at 37.65 yuan ($5.3), with its market capitalization dropping to 46.9 billion yuan.

NXP Semiconductors: NXP Semiconductors (恩智浦半导体) is mentioned as the former parent company of Nexperia. Nexperia, now owned by China's Wingtech Technology, was originally part of NXP Semiconductors. This indicates that NXP has a history as a significant player in the semiconductor industry.

Bosch: Bosch is one of Nexperia's key global customers. Nexperia is a major supplier of semiconductors for automakers and electronics firms. The recent regulatory actions and geopolitical tensions surrounding Nexperia could potentially disrupt global supply chains, affecting companies like Bosch that rely on their products.

Apple: Apple is a customer of Nexperia, a Dutch semiconductor maker. Nexperia supplies basic semiconductors to Apple, among other major electronics firms. This information highlights Apple's reliance on global semiconductor suppliers, which could be impacted by escalating geopolitical tensions and export restrictions affecting companies like Nexperia.

Samsung: Samsung is mentioned in the article as a customer of Nexperia, a Dutch semiconductor maker. Nexperia is a key global supplier of basic semiconductors for various electronics firms, including Samsung.

Dell: Dell is mentioned as a customer of Nexperia, a key global supplier of basic semiconductors for cars and consumer electronics. Nexperia, formerly part of NXP Semiconductors, supplies these products to customers including Bosch, Apple, Samsung, and Dell.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

December 2024：: Wingtech was added to the U.S. Commerce Department's Entity List.

By September 29, 2025：: Any company majority-owned by an entity on the U.S. Entity List faced automatic export restrictions according to the U.S. Commerce Department's BIS.

September 29, 2025：: U.S. Commerce Department’s BIS announced new rules affecting entities on its Entity List and began a 60-day grace period for Nexperia.

Effective September 30, 2025：: Dutch government order implemented a one-year freeze on Nexperia's operations worldwide.

October 4, 2025：: As of this date, Nexperia's China subsidiaries and distributors were barred by China from exporting certain products.

October 12, 2025：: Wingtech chairman Yang Mu discussed Nexperia’s dependence on China manufacturing and sales at an investor meeting.

October 12, 2025：: Wingtech disclosed that a Dutch court suspended founder Zhang Xuezheng's role at Nexperia and transferred Wingtech's 99% stake to an independent trustee.